Coupling the Plasma Sheet to the Inner Magnetosphere with Alfven waves

Abstract:

We explore the role played by kinetic scale Alfvénic fluctuations in the transport and energization of ion plasmas from the plasma sheet into the inner magnetosphere. Observations from the THEMIS spacecraft are used to trace and quantify the wave energy transport process from the plasma sheet into the inner edge of the plasma sheet. Observations from the Van Allen Probes are then used to show how this energy accumulates on field-lines in the inner magnetosphere. From wave and particle statistics based on THEMIS and Van Allen Probes observations, analytical theory and particle simulations in model wave fields it is shown how this energy is dissipated by ion acceleration. This occurs both through direct action on the plasma sheet component but also via the extraction and energization of ionospheric ions. It is shown how this process drives a significant deviation from the usual adiabatic interpretation of transport in the plasmas sheet and how both plasma sheet and ionospheric ions accelerated in these waves pump up ion energy density in the inner magnetosphere.